False Rumours of ‘Cursed Rice’ Spark Fear in Ogun and Lagos
Nigeria Customs Service Dismisses Claims of Poisoned Rice and Urges Public to Ignore Panic Messages
There is panic in parts of Ogun and Lagos states as rumours spread that some rice being sold in the markets is poisoned. Many residents have received voice messages on WhatsApp and other social media, warning them not to buy or eat rice for now because it could be deadly.
According to the rumour, a woman who sells rice had two of her trucks stolen in a neighbouring country. The messages claim the stolen rice was smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko and Seme borders.
It was also alleged that the rice trader became so angry that she “invoked the spirit of Ogun deity” and asked traditional worshippers in Ghana to place a curse on anyone who eats or buys the stolen rice.
Some of the voice notes claim that Customs officers and a soldier in Badagry, Lagos, have died after eating the rice. Other messages say that “over 70 people” have died in the past few days because of the rice. These claims have made many parents warn their children not to eat rice at school. Some parents even went to schools to tell food vendors not to sell rice to students.
A resident of Ipokia Local Government in Ogun State, Morayo, told the reporter,
“Some parents went to schools and told the food vendors not to sell rice to their children.”
Even as some people tried to say the rumour is false, more voice messages kept coming, with people insisting they had proof that people had died from eating the rice.
This has left many people confused and scared about buying rice, which is one of the most popular foods in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Customs Service has strongly denied the rumour. In a statement, Isah Sulaiman, the Public Relations Officer for the Seme Area Command, said,
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has been drawn to a widely circulated unfounded and baseless allegation claiming that the Command seized and distributed bags of rice without the knowledge of the purported owner, who then allegedly invoked traditional powers leading to the death of individuals, including a soldier at Badagry. The command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter.”
He also said,
“No incident within the Command’s Area of Responsibility or among personnel corroborates the false claims of deaths resulting from rice consumption linked to the NCS.”
The Customs Service explained that they always follow proper procedures when disposing of seized goods, and there is no way such an incident could happen without being recorded.
The statement added,
“Unfortunately, some unscrupulous elements wearing the garment of journalism (a credible profession) to disinform members of the public with baseless, fictitious and malicious accusations to score cheap points instead of the social responsibility they are supposed to uphold.”
Despite the denial from Customs, the rumour has spread to other states like Abeokuta and Ibadan, making more people afraid to eat rice.
There is no evidence that any rice being sold in Ogun, Lagos, or anywhere in Nigeria is poisoned or deadly. The Nigeria Customs Service has said the rumour is “entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter.” No deaths have been officially linked to rice consumption in these areas.
People are advised to remain calm and not to believe or spread rumours that have not been confirmed by health or government authorities. Always check for official information before taking action.
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